Definition

A methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium
Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria can affect the skin, blood, bones, or lungs. A person can either be
infected
or
colonized
with MRSA. When a person is infected, the bacteria cause symptoms. A person colonized also has the bacteria, but it may not cause any symptoms. An MRSA infection is serious because the bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics that are used to treat infections.

There are two types of MRSA infection:
community-acquired
and
nosocomial. People who have a community-acquired MRSA infection were infected outside of a hospital setting (for example, a dormitory). Nosocomial MRSA infections occur in healthcare settings (such as hospitals or clinics).

Causes

An MRSA infection can spread several ways:

Contaminated surfaces

Person-to-person

From one area of the body to another

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your chance of infection. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

Community-acquired:

Impaired immunity

Sharing crowded spaces (such as dormitories or locker rooms)

Using intravenous drugs

Serious illness

Being a young child, athlete, prisoner, or military personnel

Exposure to animals (such as being a pet owner, veterinarian, or pig farmer)

Using antibiotics

Chronic skin disorder

Being infected with MRSA in the past

Nosocomial
(healthcare-associated):

Impaired immunity

Exposure to hospital or clinical settings

Advanced age

Sex: male

Chronic illness

Using antibiotics

Having a wound

Living in a long-term care center

Having an indwelling medical device (for example,
a feeding tube
or intravenous catheter)

Symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is an MRSA infection. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.

Folliculitis—infection of hair follicles

Boils—a skin infection that may drain pus, blood, or an amber-colored liquid

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best
treatment plan
for you. Treatment options include the following:

Medications

Antibiotics are given to kill the bacteria. Only a few antibiotics are available that can treat an MRSA infection.

Incision and Drainage of an Abscess

Your doctor may
open the abscess
and allow the fluid to drain. Do not attempt to do this on your own.

Cleansing of the Skin

Do the following to treat the infection and to keep it from spreading:

Wash your skin with an antibacterial cleanser.

Cover your skin with a sterile dressing.

Decolonization

Decolonization is a process to help rid your body of the MRSA infection. This process may involve using nasal ointments, washing with special soap, and taking medicines (including antibiotics). Decolonization is only recommended in certain cases.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting an MRSA infection, take the following steps:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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